First Bite: Food Truck Finds Its Home

Concord's Ko-Cups makes quick Korean cuisine accessible.

By Nicholas Boer

Published: 2019.04.16 03:48 PM

Tucked near the Luxe Cinema in food-saturated The Veranda, Ko-Cups offers quick, accessible Korean fare in a big cup for less than a Super Duper Burger and much less than a dish-up from Whole Foods— making it the best bang for your buck in the mall.

Ko-Cups began as a food truck, and—with just three seats—this sleek and bright spot is barely bigger. No worries. All the food is packed to go and you’ll find tons of outdoor dining alongside the mall’s grassy plaza.

The Bibimbap with brown rice eats like a warm salad, with colorful, crunchy julienne veggies, including umami-laden plump shiitakes. Top it with a fried egg ($1) and load on the spicy gochujang sauce. The lightly fried mandu—Korean dumplings—are exceptionally juicy. Heartier appetites should choose between the chicken, pork, or—yes!—grilled rib-eye bulgogi cups. Slick potato noodles and crisp veggies add great texture.

Korean sodas, super-friendly service on our anonymous visit, and a raft of mayo-based sauces (try the sesame) add character.